Hi folks

I feel that this is a dumb question but I do not know how to do this.

My son wants to model a logging industry and a coaling industry to our layout.  I am doing some research on the web and know that there are books out there and I will probably buy them eventually.  But this message board has always have given me great advice. My railroad is going to be mainly transition era with a modern flair.  The modern flair is because I love the Amtrack engines a lot a want to run them as well.  What we will do is run modern and then run Transition era separately.

Scale is HO
we are running on a DCC System.

Logging industry
What types of engines do I need?
What type of cars do I need?
What buildings do I need?

Coaling industry
What types of engines do I need?
What type of cars do I need?
What buildings do I need?


Thanks for not laughing at the question, and if you did thats okay.

Robert

Hi all
I want to create a realistic signaling system for my layout.  Is crossing signals, Block signals etc. that actually work.  I ran across the Circuitron company through Walther's and I am curious if anyone has experience with this or any other system.

I am running HO in DCC with all of my switches in DCC as well. I also just ordered the Digitrax Super Chief 8 amp starter set with the new DT402! I must thank my local Hobby shop as he is letting me pick it up and make monthly payments on it till it is paid off! I love my Hobby shop!

Thanks for your help.

Robert

As I am getting closer to  "Nailing Down" the final track plan I am coming across some problems of concern. 

The problem is derailments. Mainly with my switches and only with my Pennsy K4 4-6-2 and my Russian Decapod 2-10-0.  The culprit switches are my DCC 44137 and 44138 crossovers and occasionally my 44130 Left Switch & 44131 Right Switch.  Usually its the front wheels on these engines that starts the derailment.  But sometimes its not.  Sometimes when the train is running, I'll see the train look like it is hitting a speed bump.

We run the engines at a normal speed rarely them fast. The derailment can occur at normal slow speeds and even to the faster as well.  The connector between all of the tracks are holding strong.  But even when properly connected some track has gaps.  So I replace them to reduce or eliminate the gap. 

I am running 22" on the main rail and 18" on the inside.

As for my other engines the Diesels never derail nordoes my my J 4-8-4 rarely derails.  All of engines are Bachmann.

I saw the KATO track this weekend and fell in love with it.  But it would expensive to replace it.

So I need advice of ideas on how to fix this.  I may post a picture or two later exactly what I think may be causing the problems.  As an experiment the front 4 of the 4-6-2 making it an 0-6-2 and it ran fun fine.  I just wanted to see if indeed they were causing the derailments.

Robert

After reading this months Model Railroader article on "Building realistic cardstock structures.  I became curious about it.  I am looking on the recommended websites they listed but am curious if anyone here has worked with them before. 

Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

Robert

Hi

I have decided to do the warranty cards on the Bachman engines I have bought recently. I am curious if it can be done on line. However, I cannot find anywhere on the site that allows me to fill it out electronically.

Has anyone been able to do it or does it have to be done via regular mail.

Thanks for the help.
Robert

Sorry this is a long posted question but I want to do this right the first time.
I asked this at my local hobby shop several week and wow what a debate is sparked.   A lot of opinions but I wanted to ask here.

Here is the simple question.  Are they any major differences between the blue foam board and the pink stuff.  I did here that the blue stuff doesn't accept the the glue that well. So what is the differences like Workability, Longevity, reliability, strength, etc.

Now here is the background.
I initially purchased the 3 4x8 1" thick board at Lowes for my base.  It was hard to trim it with a knife. I found out. It is made by Dow and is rated XXX.

I saw at Home depot a pink version of the foam board it seams more dense. They were about 13 a piece

I also went to another place that had 1", 1 1/2" and 2". I did not get to see them as it was more of a commercial place but they do sell to individuals. However this place is a good distance and the 1" is 20 a piece.

Now I plan on getting a Wire foam cutter to help me make my cuts. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

Robert

Hi everyone

I am shipping some engines and am curious on how to  package it safely.
I was going to bubble wrap it, use news papers to make a cradle in the box.

Then I was thinking maybe wrap it first in a soft cloth then bubble wrap and maybe a large zip lock bag the the paper to cradle it.

Again thank you for the input everyone.

Robert

Hi again
I say on a popular auction site a bunch of "New"/"Old" stock Spectrum Engines.  The  are starting under 20.  They do not have DCC but I would install that later. But I am curious on how they compare to the newer generation spectrum's that I love in terms of quality.

Thanks for the help  everyone.

Robert

Took my son to the Mattel outlet store today and saw these.  They are 1:87 HO scale cars. They we just about $3 a piece.  I am not sure if we would use them all but they looked cool.  We picked out the most Conservative ones. 
Light Orange one is the 69 Mustang
Dark Orange is a Custom 67 Mustang
Silver one is Shelby Cobra
Maroon one is a64 Ford Galaxie
The bottoms have a small stem  that we will use my new dremmel to make it flush.
Anyway I wanted to show them off.
Robert

My sons birthday is next week.  He will be turning six by the way. Anyway I want to get him a Steam with sound already installed.  I have done several installs already and I would like one to come factory installed sound. I am very pro Bachmann and I am looking to spend around 125 to 150 this time around. 

I am looking some online auctions for Bachmann and one other brand.  Another company has a 4th of July sale going on that's in my price range too.  But I would have to put DCC in it. I will run the engine on 22 and 18 if possible.

What I am looking for is peoples thoughts on what Steam engine with sound they like.

Again thanks in advance for the help.


Robert

Hi

I am curious to see what power rotart tool people are using?  I am looking to get one today for a birthday present for me!  I see some nice corded and cordless one online.

I read the code of conduct and it seems I am allowed to ask this question. Though I am not sure if I can say which one I wanted but it is the new one that is a very popular brand and its about $100. But it look like some people said the motor burnt out quickly.

If I violated anything I am sorry.  But I trust the opinions of the people on this message board.

Thanks

Robert

Hi
I am trying to add a sound to my Bachmann EMD FT A-Unit diesel Engine and I am trying to make room for the speaker.  I see that maybe I could cut the circuit board at the red mark that I made.  I have very little experience with circuit boards so I am asking advice.
Robert

Hi

I think I know this may be but I figure  I would ask anyway.  A few months ago I bought a Spectrum HO 4-8-4 Class J passenger loco and then three ago I bought a Spectrum K4 4-6-2 steam engine and they both have this small black bag of coal like stuff?  What is it used for?

So what is it?

Robert

Hi everyone
I have made the decision to upgrade my Controller system and am interested in the Dynamis Wireless Controller 36505 system.  I searched for past articles on it and it was very helpful . But what I am looking for is the people who have it or know about it, what do they think of it.  I have read over the information and it seems what I am looking for.
I am looking at other manufactures as well.  But I am partial to Bachmann.
What I am looking for is:
The capability of multiple controllers (One for me and one for my son)
The Capability of programing CV's ( I cannot do that now)
Eventual ability to upgrade to use a PC to run the trains.
Programing Train routes ( I do not think This system can do that though )

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Robert

Hi
I just installed the MRC Sound decoder Model #1639 (from my local Hobby shop) in my Bachmann DCC ready steam engine. It was a simple install jut plug it in an go. It worked great for a week and then it stopped working.

Now here is the odd part.  It will make some sounds.  But it will not Chuff, make the whistle or the bell.  But everything else works i.e.
F3 Air release
F4 Coupling
F5 Brake squeal
F6 Conductor
F7 Fire box door open/close
F8 Air pump
F9 Associated loco sound
I cannot use
F1 Bell On/Off
F2 Whistle

I am using a Bachmann EZ Command with F1-F10 only. So F12 which is Turning off the chuff sound I think I cannot do.

Lastly  I curious what people think of MRC in general.  The web site is awefull. However I only paid 85 for this DCC/decoder and only 36 for the 1666 (Sound only) and they sound good.

Thanks for everones input.

Robert

PS I know my Hobby guy Paul (Angelohobbies in Haltom City TX) will let me exchange it since it is only 2 wks old.

Hi everyone. 

I have been looking a some good web sites for replacement parts for my Older (1980's) Diesel and steam.  I am looking for Tyco, Athern, Lifelike and others.  I saw a few web sites a few days ago but did not bookmark them and I deleted my history this morning but I know they exist! why am I doing this, well some engines have sentimental value.

Thanks
Robert

Hi again
Well the track planning and laying out is nearly complete and now my attention is turning to everything else which includes buildings. I have in the past (30yrs ago) I have built entirely in palstic.  I see that the "wood" kits have made great improvements. As for my experience level I am rather handy in building things!
So I have a few questions.
1. Are the wood kits difficult to build?
2. Are all wood kits "pre cut"?
3. Can you safely add lighting to them?
4. Can they be used in conjunction with the plastic kits?

Any and all information and advice is greatly appreciated!  I hope one day to be able help out others as much as every one has helped me

Hi
I have watched the Youtube videos and have fallen in love with this system.  I am curious if anyone on the message board has it and what they think of it? It is rather expensive but wow it look great!
Thanks for the help.
Robert

Hi
I am starting to look at getting figures as they can get expensive I am starting to but them a little at a time.  Just getting the 2009 Walthers Catalog recently I can see some nice detail on some of the figures. I am just curious what most people prefer?  I plan on using them in my passenger cars, in stores, obviously just about everywhere.  I don't have the expertise to paint them myself so I am looking at the pre painted.
Again thanks for the help.
Robert

Hi
I am still working on my track layout in HO with Bachmann E-Z Track.  I am trying to plan on the future as much as possible.  I was going to use a clearance of 3 1/2 but I am concerned that it I ever want to get the Bombardier Commuter Cars or the double high Auto cars it might clear. I have been looking around for a while on line and searched in the message boards and could not find the answer.
Thanks for the help
Robert